“Swan Lake’s story of young love and heartache is universal and compelling. It’s no wonder that it remains so popular more than 100 years after its creation” said Milwaukee Ballet Artistic Director Michael Pink. “Presenting this work is always an exciting time for a ballet company. It offers a chance for the dancers to showcase their technical prowess and perform the most famous roles in the ballet world.”

Swan Lake features the choreography of Michael Pink after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. Pink preserves many elements from the original production, while enhancing the story to shed light on Rothbart’s motivation to curse Princess Odette. Similarly, he split the role of Odette-Odile into two separate roles and reworked the ballet to be presented in two acts, from the original four.

Tchaikovsky’s score will be played by Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra under Conductor Pasquale Laurino.

Story SummarySwan Lake follows Odette, a beautiful princess who is transformed into a white swan by an evil sorcerer, who conjures Odile to seduce Prince Siegfried and steal the throne. Odette must win Prince Siegfried’s love to break the curse and save the kingdom.

CastingThe principal cast of Swan Lake features Milwaukee Ballet’s leading artists and dancers making their role debut.

Milwaukee Ballet’s Barre Talk events feature a member of Milwaukee Ballet artistic staff and a guest speaker leading animated conversation on topics important to the ballet world and beyond. For Swan Lake, we’ll focus on the “Ladies of the Lake” and dive into the real life of ballerinas. Join us for a riveting conversation featuring Jayne Pink, Luz San Miguel, and Jennifer Miller.

British ballerina Jayne Pink enjoyed a successful career in Europe, originating the role of Odette in Michael Pink’s Swan Lake. Milwaukee Ballet Leading Artist Luz San Miguel has danced as Odile and Odette in Michael Pink’s adaptation, and returns as Odette in the upcoming production. Jennifer Miller enjoyed an 18-year career with Milwaukee Ballet, and is now teaching the next generation at Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy.

Founded in 1970, Milwaukee Ballet celebrates its 48th season as a staple of Milwaukee’s arts and culture scene. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Michael Pink, Milwaukee Ballet has become world-renowned for presenting bold new interpretations of story ballets and cutting-edge contemporary works. Milwaukee Ballet is the home to an international company of dancers and is one of only a few companies in the nation to maintain its own orchestra. Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy is the only professional dance school in the Midwest accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD). Milwaukee Ballet’s award-winning Community Engagement Department serves more than 30,000 people in Southeastern Wisconsin through original, interactive programs.

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